Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 7 AIL 0608 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Donne's Beaten Gold
Captions available
The idea
Donne writes that two souls which are one endure not a breach but an expansion, like gold to airy thinness beat. The vehicle is goldsmith's work: gold can be hammered thinner and thinner without parting. Separation becomes extension rather than breaking.
In practice
Gold thins without parting.
Where people slip
The image denies that parting occurs.
Your place on the trail
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